Low Body Condition Score Research Articles

Applications of VirScan to broad serological profiling of bat reservoirs for emerging zoonoses.

Bats are important providers of ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control but also act as natural reservoirs for virulent zoonotic viruses. Bats host multiple viruses that cause life-threatening pathology in other animals and humans but, themselves, experience limited pathological disease from infection. Despite bats' importance as reservoirs for several zoonotic viruses, we know little about the broader viral diversity that they host. Bat virus surveillance efforts are challenged by difficulties of field capture and the limited scope of targeted PCR- or ELISA-based molecular and serological detection. Additionally, virus shedding is often transient, thus also limiting insights gained from nucleic acid testing of field specimens. Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing (PhIP-Seq), a broad serological tool used previously to comprehensively profile viral exposure history in humans, offers an exciting prospect for viral surveillance efforts in wildlife, including bats. Here, for the first time, we apply PhIP-Seq technology to bat serum, using a viral peptide library originally designed to simultaneously assay exposures to the entire human virome. Using VirScan, we identified past exposures to 57 viral genera-including betacoronaviruses, henipaviruses, lyssaviruses, and filoviruses-in semi-captive Pteropus alecto and to nine viral genera in captive Eonycteris spelaea. Consistent with results from humans, we find that both total peptide hits (the number of enriched viral peptides in our library) and the corresponding number of inferred past virus exposures in bat hosts were correlated with poor bat body condition scores and increased with age. High and low body condition scores were associated with either seropositive or seronegative status for different viruses, though in general, virus-specific age-seroprevalence curves defied assumptions of lifelong immunizing infection, suggesting that many bat viruses may circulate via complex transmission dynamics. Overall, our work emphasizes the utility of applying biomedical tools, like PhIP-Seq, first developed for humans to viral surveillance efforts in wildlife, while highlighting opportunities for taxon-specific improvements.

Field assessment of a BCS measuring device at timed AI in crossbread dairy cows of Amazonian smallholders

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a body condition score (BCS) assessment device (BCAD) to identify cows with an adequate BCS and, presumably, a higher fertility when subjected to timed artificial insemination (TAI). We evaluated cows at smallholder dairy farms in the state of Rondonia, Brazil. Crossbred dairy cows (n = 141) were subjected to a TAI protocol and classified according to the BCAD scale as low BCS (red; n = 55) or adequate BCS (green; n = 86). The outcome pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) was analyzed by logistic regression. Cows classified as green by the BCAD had a significantly greater P/AI (41 of 86; 47.7%) than cows classified as red (15 of 55; 27.3%; P = 0.01). In conclusion, the BCS assessment device was an effective tool to detect cows more likely to become pregnant due to their adequate BCS and, consequently, better fertility in TAI.

Postpartum vaginal discharge score is associated with genetic traits, postpartum fertility phenotypes, metabolic status, and overall reproductive performance in seasonal-calving pasture-based dairy cows

The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate potential associations between genetic traits, postpartum phenotypes, cow factors, and postpartum vaginal discharge score (VDS); and (2) to investigate possible associations between postpartum VDS, plasma progesterone (P4) after first service, and reproductive performance. First- and second-parity (n = 2,842) spring-calving lactating dairy cows from 35 dairy herds were enrolled. Farm visits were performed every 2 wk during the postpartum period and weekly during the breeding period. Cows that were at wk 3 and wk 7 postpartum and between 7 and 13 d after first artificial insemination (AI) were examined. Body condition score (BCS) was measured on all farm visits using a 1-to-5 scale (low ≤2.5; target ≥2.75). Transrectal ultrasound examinations were conducted to determine the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL). Vaginal discharge score was determined at wk 3 and wk 7 using a Metricheck device (Simcro) and a 1-to-4 scale (1 = clear mucus; 4 = mucopurulent with >50% purulent material ± odor). At wk 3, cows having a VDS ≤2 were considered to have normal reproductive tract health status (RTHS). At wk 7, cows having VDS = 1 were considered to have normal RTHS. Blood samples were collected at each visit, and plasma concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, fatty acids, and progesterone (only during breeding visit) were analyzed. Animals with target BCS at wk 3 and wk 7 had greater odds of having normal RTHS at wk 3 and wk 7, respectively, than cows with low BCS. Cows with a CL at wk 3 and wk 7 had greater prevalence of normal RTHS at wk 3 and wk 7, respectively, compared with cows without a CL. Cows with normal RTHS had a lesser plasma concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate at wk 3 and wk 7 and greater plasma concentration of glucose at wk 3 compared with animals with abnormal RTHS. More cows in the greatest quartiles for the fertility subindex of the Economic Breeding Index and genetic merit for milk production traits (milk kg and milk protein [%]) had normal RTHS at wk 3 and wk 7 compared with the other quartiles. Cows with VDS = 4 at wk 7 postpartum had lesser plasma P4 concentration after first AI (-1.2, -1.1, and -1.0 ng/mL compared with cows with VDS = 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Similarly, cows with VDS = 4 at both wk 3 and wk 7 had lesser pregnancy at first service, lesser cumulative pregnancy rates at wk 3, 6, and 12 during the breeding period, and longer interval from mating start date to conception (+3 d if VDS = 4 at wk 3; +5 d if VDS = 4 at wk 7), compared with cows having other VDS. In conclusion, cows with superior genetic merit for fertility traits and milk production traits, and favorable fertility phenotypes at wk 3 and wk 7, were all associated with greater likelihood of having normal RTHS. In turn, abnormal postpartum RTHS and greater postpartum VDS (score = 4) were associated with lesser odds of successful pregnancy establishment.

Associations of cow and farm characteristics with cow-level lameness using data from an extensive cross-sectional study across 3 structurally different dairy regions in Germany

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations between milk recording data, body condition score (BCS), housing factors, management factors, and lameness in freestall-housed dairy cows in 3 structurally different regions in Germany. These regions substantially vary regarding herd size, breeds, access to pasture, farm management (family run or company owned), and percentage of organic farms. The data used was collected in a large cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2019. A total of 58,144 cows from 651 farms in 3 regions of Germany (North, East, and South) was scored for locomotion and body condition. Additionally, data on milk yield, milk composition, breed, age, as well as information on housing and management were retrieved. One mixed-logistic regression model was fitted per region to evaluate the association of the data with the target variable "lame" and to allow for a comprehensive reflection across different kinds of farming types. In all regions, undercondition (BCS lower than recommended for the lactation stage; North: odds ratio [OR] 2.15, CI 1.96-2.34; East: OR 2.66, CI 2.45-2.88; South: OR 2.45, CI 2.01-2.98) and mid-lactation stage (102-204 d in milk; North: OR 1.15, CI 1.05-1.27; East: OR 1.24, CI 1.17-1.32; South: OR 1.38, CI 1.18-1.62) were associated with higher odds for lameness, whereas overcondition (BCS higher than recommended for the lactation stage; North: OR 0.51, CI 0.44-0.60; East: OR 0.51, CI 0.48-0.54; South: OR 0.65, CI 0.54-0.77) and parity of 1 or 2 was associated with lower odds (parity 1 = North: OR 0.32, CI 0.29-0.35; East: OR 0.19, CI 0.18-0.20; South: OR 0.28, CI 0.24-0.33; parity 2 = North: OR 0.51, CI 0.47-0.46; East: OR 0.41, CI 0.39-0.44; South: OR 0.49, CI 0.42-0.57), irrespective of the regional production characteristics. Low energy-corrected milk yield was associated with higher odds for lameness in South and North (North: OR 1.16, CI 1.05-1.27; South: OR 1.43, CI 1.22-1.69). Further factors such as pasture access for cows (North: OR 0.64, CI 0.50-0.82; and South: OR 0.65, CI 0.47-0.88), milk protein content (high milk protein content = North: OR 1.34, CI 1.18-1.52; East: OR 1.17, CI 1.08-1.28; low milk protein content = North: OR 0.79, CI 0.71-0.88; East: OR 0.84, CI 0.79-0.90), and breed (lower odds for "other" [other breeds than German Simmental and German Holstein] in East [OR 0.47, CI 0.42-0.53] and lower odds both for German Holstein and "other" in South [German Holstein: OR 0.62, CI 0.43-0.90; other: OR 0.46, CI 0.34 - 0.62]) were associated with lameness in 2 regions, respectively. The risk of ketosis (higher odds in North: OR 1.11, CI 1.01-1.22) and somatic cell count (higher odds in East: increased (>39.9 cells × 1,000/mL): OR 1.10; CI 1.03-1.17; high (>198.5 cells × 1,000/mL): OR 1.08; CI 1.01-1.06) altered the odds for lameness in 1 region, respectively. Cows from organic farms had lower odds for lameness in all 3 regions (North: OR 0.18, CI 0.11-0.32; East: OR 0.39, CI 0.28-0.56; South: OR 0.45, CI 0.29-0.68). As the dairy production systems differed substantially between the different regions, the results of this study can be viewed as representative for a wide variety of loose-housed dairy systems in Europe and North America. The consistent association between low BCS and lameness in all regions aligns with the previous literature. Our study also suggests that risk factors for lameness can differ between geographically regions, potentially due to differences in which dairy production system is predominantly used and that region-specific characteristics should be taken into account in comparable future projects.

Precision technologies for the management of reproduction in dairy cows.

Precision livestock farming (PLF) utilizes information and communication technology (ICT) to continuously monitor, control, and enhance the productivity, reproduction, health, welfare, and environmental impact of livestock. Technological advancements have facilitated the seamless flow of information from animals to humans, enabling practical decision-making processes concerning health, reproduction management, and calving surveillance. With the increasing population of livestock per farm, it has become impractical for farmers to individually track every animal within these large groups. Historically, cattle management decisions heavily relied on human observation, judgment, and experience. However, it is impossible for a single individual to gather reliable audio-visual monitoring data round the clock. Presently, dairy cows exhibit subtler indicators of estrus, resulting in a substantial chance of missing an estrus cycle. Furthermore, calving complications sometimes go unnoticed on farms, resulting in a higher number of culled cattle. In addition, an increasing number of crossbred cows experience delayed return to estrus after calving due to low body condition scores (BCS). The decline in BCS during the dry period is associated with a reduced likelihood of pregnancy following the first and second postpartum inseminations. Precision technologies enable the monitoring and tracking of an individual cow's physiological behavior and reproductive parameters, thereby optimizing management practices and farm performance. Despite the exploration of various technologies, there are still some common challenges that need to be addressed, including battery lifespan, transmission range, specificity and sensitivity, storage capacity, and economic affordability. Nonetheless, the demand for these tools from farmers and researchers is growing, and the implementation of PLF in grazing systems can yield positive outcomes in terms of animal reproductive welfare and labor optimization. This review primarily focuses on the different aspects of reproduction management in dairy using sensors, automated cameras, and various computer software.

Effects of estradiol cypionate dosage and body condition on reproductive performance of Nellore cattle synchronized for timed-artificial insemination

This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of increasing doses of estradiol cypionate (ECP) and different body condition score (BCS) on reproductive performance of Bos indicus beef females assigned to a timed-artificial insemination (TAI) management. In this experiment, 1683 Bos indicus Nellore cows were blocked by parity and assigned to receive 1) an intravaginal P4 device (1.9 g of P4) and 2.0 mg of estradiol benzoate on day −11, 12.5 mg (i.m.) of dinoprost tromethamine, 300 IU (i.m.) of equine chorionic gonadotrophin, 0.6 mg (i.m.) of estradiol cypionate and CIDR withdrawal on day −2, followed by TAI on day 0 (n = 849; 0.6ECP) or 2) the same synchronization protocol with 1.0 mg of ECP on day −2 (n = 834; 1.0ECP). In both treatments, estrus expression was measured between days −2 and 0. Body condition score (BCS) was evaluated on days −11, 31, and 71 of the experiment and the BCS variation (Δ) was also determined between these timepoints. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed on days 31, 71, and 111 for pregnancy rate determination. All binary data were analyzed using cow as the experimental unit with GLIMMIX, whereas continuous variables were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS. No treatment effects were observed on estrus expression rate. Treatment × BCS interactions were observed for pregnancy rates in all time points (days 31, 71, and 111), as 1.0ECP cows with a LOW BCS also had a greater P/AI than cows assigned to 0.6ECP. In summary, increasing the dose of ECP benefited the reproductive performance of Nellore beef cows with a reduced BCS (≤2.75), whereas no benefits were seen when the BCS was considered adequate (>2.75).

Management of Body Condition Score between Pregnancy Scanning and Lamb Marking Impacts the Survival of Triplet-Bearing Ewes and Their Lambs

This study evaluated the impacts of management of body condition score (BCS) between pregnancy scanning and lamb marking on the mortality of triplet-bearing ewes and their lambs at 19 research sites across Southern Australia. Triplet-bearing ewes of Maternal (crossbred or composite) or Merino breed were randomly allocated to treatment at pregnancy scanning at an average of 97 days from the start of joining: High or Low BCS. The BCS of individual ewes was assessed at pregnancy scanning, pre-lambing (average of 137 days from the start of joining) and marking (average of 165 days from the end of joining), and ewe and lamb mortality to marking, recorded for each mob. The average BCS at pregnancy scanning was 3.4 for Maternal ewes and 3.3 for Merino ewes. There were no breed by BCS treatment effects on the BCS of ewes at pregnancy scanning or lamb marking or on the change in BCS between pregnancy scanning and pre-lambing or between pre-lambing and marking. The change in BCS differed between the High and Low BCS treatments, between pregnancy scanning and pre-lambing (0.12 vs. −0.33; p < 0.001) and between pre-lambing and marking (−0.39 vs. 0.07; p < 0.001) but did not differ between breeds. The average BCS at marking for ewes managed at the High and Low BCS treatments was 3.1 and 3.0 for Maternals and 3.0 and 2.8 for Merinos. Survival of triplet-bearing Merino ewes (p < 0.01) and their lambs (p < 0.001) was greater when ewes were managed at the High BCS compared to the Low BCS. The BCS treatment did not impact the survival of Maternal ewes or their lambs. The survival of Merino but not Maternal lambs was higher when ewes were in greater BCS pre-lambing (p < 0.01) and when ewes gained BCS between pregnancy scanning and pre-lambing (p < 0.01). Ewe mortality was lower when ewes gained BCS between pregnancy scanning and pre-lambing (p < 0.05). Merino ewes were more likely to die than Maternal ewes for a given change in BCS between pregnancy scanning and pre-lambing (p = 0.065). Overall, our findings demonstrate that producers should manage the nutrition of triplet-bearing Merino ewes so that ewes are in greater BCS at lambing and/or to gain BCS between pregnancy scanning and lambing to improve ewe and lamb survival. Triplet-bearing Maternal ewes should be managed to gain BCS between pregnancy scanning and lambing to improve ewe survival.

Multinomial logistic regression based on neural networks reveals inherent differences among dairy farms depending on the differential exposure to Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi

Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi are cattle parasites with worldwide relevance for economic outcome as well as animal health and welfare. The on-farm exposure of cattle to both parasites is a function of host-associated, intrinsic, as well as environmental and farm-specific, extrinsic, factors. Even though knowledge on the biology of both parasites exists, sophisticated and innovative modelling approaches can help to deepen our understanding of key aspects fostering the exposure of dairy cows to these pathogens. In the present study, multiple multinomial logistic regression models were fitted via neural networks to describe the differences among farms where cattle were not exposed to either F. hepatica or O. ostertagi, to one parasite, or to both, respectively. Farm-specific production and management characteristics were used as covariates to portray these differences. This elucidated inherent farm characteristics associated with parasite exposure. In both studied regions, pasture access for cows, farm-level milk yield, and lameness prevalence were identified as relevant factors. In region ‘South’, adherence to organic farming principles was a further covariate of importance. In region ‘North’, the prevalence of cows with a low body condition score, herd size, hock lesion prevalence, farm-level somatic cell count, and study year appeared to be of relevance. The present study broadens our understanding of the complex epidemiological scenarios that could predict differential farm-level parasite status. The analyses have revealed the importance of awareness of dissimilarities between farms in regard to the differential exposure to F. hepatica and O. ostertagi. This provides solid evidence that dynamics and relevant factors differ depending on whether or not cows are exposed to F. hepatica, O. ostertagi, or to both.

Evaluation of multifactorial digestive disorders in a dairy herd at different stages of lactation.

The manager of a large dairy herd (total confinement, total mixed ration feeding, 10130 kg milk sold per cow and year) requested a workup of a digestive disorder problem that had been ongoing for several years. The cows were at all stages of lactation, and the incidence proportion (events/100 cows at risk) of digestive disorders was approximately 5 to 10%. The clinical picture included an abnormal demeanor of varying severity and signs that differed among the cows. The latter included decreased milk production and physical activity, low body condition score, abnormal rumen motility and stratification, small intestinal dilatation, diarrhea, undigested fiber particles in the feces, fever and abdominal pain.The following approach was used to investigate the digestive disorder problem:1. The herd was assessed for production levels, housing requirements, feeding protocols and animal health management. The latter comprised evaluation of different animal scores, metabolic profile analysis, diagnosis of disease, culling records and slaughter data. The results revealed risk factors concerning the feeding and animal health monitoring, (e. g. in dry matter intake and silage quality management, disease detection and diagnosis in fresh cows). The assessment also identified a high occurrence of digestive disorders of unknown origin.2. Fifteen cows that represented the ongoing digestive disorder problem were selected to undergo clinical examination, hematological analysis, urinalysis, and ultrasonography of the ventral abdomen. The clinical examinations revealed different digestive disorders, which were mainly inflammatory in nature, in all the cows. Eight cows had localized reticuloperitonitis and 13 had left displaced abomasum with different degrees of displacement and adhesions between the abomasum and reticulum attributable to reticuloperitonitis.Our results revealed a multifactorial problem caused by several risk factors relating to animal health and feeding management protocols that resulted in different types of digestive disorders. The wires from damaged tires used to hold the pit silo tarps in place were identified as a possible traumatic cause of the reticuloperitonitis. Treatment, prevention and follow-up of the different conditions were discussed.

Occurrence of tuberculosis among people exposed to cattle in Bangladesh.

Tuberculosis (TB) has been an important public health concern in Bangladesh. The most common cause of human TB is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while bovine TB is caused by Mycobacterium bovis. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of TB in individuals with occupational exposure to cattle and to detect Mycobacterium bovis among cattle in slaughterhouses in Bangladesh. Between August 2014 and September 2015, an observational study was conducted in two government chest disease hospitals, one cattle market, and two slaughterhouses. [Correction added on 27 June 2023, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the year "2014" has been added after the word "August".] Sputum samples were collected from individuals who met the criteria for suspected TB and had been exposed to cattle. Tissue samples were collected from cattle that had low body condition score(s). Both humans and cattle samples were screened for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) by Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) staining and cultured for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). Region of difference (RD) 9-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also performed to identify Mycobacterium spp. We also conducted Spoligotyping to identify the specific strain of Mycobacterium spp. Sputum was collected from a total of 412 humans. The median age of human participants was 35 (IQR: 25-50) years. Twenty-five (6%) human sputum specimens were positive for AFB, and 44 (11%) were positive for MTC by subsequent culture. All (N = 44) culture-positive isolates were confirmed as Mycobacterium tuberculosis by RD9 PCR. Besides, 10% of cattle workers were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the cattle market. Of all TB (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis) infected individuals, 6.8% of individuals were resistant to one or two anti-TB drugs. The majority of the sampled cattle (67%) were indigenous breeds. No Mycobacterium bovis was detected in cattle. We did not detect any TB cases caused by Mycobacterium bovis in humans during the study. However, we detected TB cases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in all humans, including cattle market workers.

Effect of Mineral Premix Supplementation on Intake and Digestibility of Repeat Breeder Cows

Repeat breeder is a problem faced by cattle farmers in Indonesia. The highest reproductive disease commonly occurring is repeat breeder conditions reaching up to 32.76%. Limited feed conditions cause cows to have a low Body Condition Score (BCS) so that the energy utilization process in the body is not optimal and there is a decrease in BCS which causes disturbances in reproductive performance. If there is a mineral deficiency in the body, the metabolic process will be disrupted, which causes the absorption of nutrients in the body to be less optimal. Feeding cows not only increases body weight but also becomes the basis for the success of the pre-breeding phase, the pregnancy phase, the pre-calving phase and lactation. Energy, protein, fat, and mineral needs need to be met in a balanced way. The level of consumption and digestibility of feed nutrients is a benchmark in meeting nutritional needs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of mineral premix supplementation on breeder cows’ feed consumption and digestibility. This study used the definite cows, which were repeat breeders selected from several farms in Yogyakarta’s Sleman district. The feeding trial lasted for 71 days with a predetermined feed arrangement. The feed provided was forage, commercial concentrate, High Quality Feed Supplement (HQFS) and mineral premix. Then, the data was analyzed by calculating the average value, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation. This study showed that mineral premix supplementation had no significant differences (p>0.05) in nutrient consumption body weight metabolites (DM, OM, CP, EE, ADF, NDF, NFE and TDN) in both treatment groups. In the nutrient digestibility of repeat breeder cows, it was found that there were significant differences in protein parameters (p<0.05), while in DM, OM, EE, NDF, NFE, and TDN, there was no significant difference in the two treatment groups. The digestibility of crude protein in the group given the mineral premix supplementation was higher than that of the group without mineral premix, P0 indicates digestibility of 35.1% and P1 is 45.1%. Consumption and digestibility are strongly influenced by the quality, quantity, and particle size of the feed given. The nutrient composition of the feed that did not differ between P0 and P1 caused consumption and digestibility to be not much different

63 Influence of diet and body condition on blood chemistry and body composition during the refeeding process

Starved horses with low body condition scores (BCS, < 3 out of 9) continues to be a prominent welfare concern, yet limited nutritional studies on the reconditioning process exist. The aim of this study was to determine how alternative diets affected blood chemistry panels and body composition in mature, starved (initial BCS 1 or 2) light breed horses during the refeeding process (final BCS 4, UTK IACUC 2811–1220). Horses (n = 10, 18.8 ± 2.5 y (mean ± SD), BCS 1.4 ± 0.5, 3 geldings and 6 mares, light breeds) were placed on a control diet (C; 100% digestible energy, DE, from grass hay and Purina Free Balance) or a concentrate diet (S; 50 % DE from grass hay and 50% DE from Purina Equine Senior). Diets were formulated to increase caloric intake in accordance with previously established refeeding recommendations and the NRC (2007), where horses were increased from 50% DE to 100% DE over 10 d to prevent refeeding syndrome, and then were increased up to 145% DE as needed based on weekly body weight (BW) until a BCS of 4 was reached. Weekly BW and BCS were assessed by 3 independent reviewers and plasma samples collected at each BCS increase based on reviewer average and an increase in of 16–20 kg in BW. Diet and BCS effects on blood chemistry and body composition were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models in SAS, with breed and individual animals as random effects, and mean separation using Tukey's adjustment.Significance was detected at P < 0.05 (SAS 9.4, Cary, NC). Non-normally distributed data were rank transformed as determined by Shapiro-Wilk. Of the 10 horses in the study, 3 were euthanized within 10d of enrollment due to infectious disease or colic unassociated with dietary treatment, 1 was disenrolled due to pneumonia, and the remaining 6 horses were fully reconditioned (C: n = 3, S: n = 3). Horses were recovered similarly between diet groups (change in BW: C = 46.15 ± 9.9 kg, S = 41.8 ± 14.9 kg, mean ± SD, P > 0.05). Plasma creatine kinase differed by BCS (P = 0.0007), whereas creatinine differed by both diet (P = 0.006) and BCS (P < 0.0001); however, all values were within normal limits. Lactose was lower in BCS 4 horses compared with all other scores, yet all values were also within normal ranges (P = 0.0007). Rib fat thickness was greater in BCS 4 horses (C = 0.35(0.08)mm, S = 0.38(0.20)mm, median(IQR)) than all other BCS (P = 0.001). Rump fat thickness was highest in BCS 4 horses (S = 0.36 (0.13), C = 0.30 (0.05)). Based on our findings, grass hay and complete feed concentrates can be used to successfully recover emaciated horses. Further studies would be helpful in determining optimal refeeding protocols.

Metabolic and inflammatory responses reveal different adaptation to the transition period challenges in Holstein, Brown Swiss, and Simmental dairy cows

Twelve Holstein (HOL), 9 Brown Swiss (BRO), and 9 Simmental (SIM) dairy cows raised in the same barn and managed identically were enrolled to characterise the responses to the transition period. From −21 to 28 d from calving (DFC), body condition score (BCS) and milk yield were measured, and blood samples were collected to assess plasma biomarkers of metabolism, minerals, liver function, inflammation, and oxidative status. Compared with SIM, HOL and BRO had higher milk yield during the first week of lactation. HOL had the highest milk yield from the second to the fourth week and the lowest BCS at 28 DFC. SIM had the highest BCS and the highest plasma creatinine and P, reflecting a greater attitude to gain muscle mass. Compared with SIM, BRO and HOL had lower plasma fructosamine, indicating reduced glucose availability driven by lactose synthesis. SIM had the mildest acute phase response at the onset of lactation, as suggested by the lowest ceruloplasmin concentration. HOL had the highest cholesterol and paraoxonase concentrations, and the greatest interleukin-1β production by leukocytes following ex-vivo stimulation, suggesting that they had the quickest resolution of the acute phase response due to the fastest immune cell activation. BRO had the highest concentration of reactive oxygen metabolites, ceruloplasmin, bilirubin, glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and β-hydroxybutyrate, and the lowest concentration of paraoxonase, reflecting the strongest activation of leukocytes and the most severe acute phase response. Together, these results highlight different metabolic and inflammatory conditions around calving in the three explored breeds. HIGHLIGHTS Holstein, Brown Swiss, and Simmental are dairy breeds selected for different purposes. These three breeds have different productivity, and metabolic and inflammatory responses during the transition period. Understanding the differences among breeds might improve their management, nutrition, and productivity in commercial dairy farms.

Tick-borne pathogens and body condition of cattle in smallholder rural livestock production systems in East and West Africa

BackgroundThe majority of the African population lives in rural areas where they heavily depend on crop and livestock production for their livelihoods. Given their socio-economic importance, we initiated a standardized multi-country (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia Tanzania and Uganda) surveillance study to assess the current status of important tick-borne haemoparasites (TBHPs) of cattle.MethodsWe assessed pathogen prevalences (Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, Ehrlichia ruminantium, and Theileria parva) in the blood of 6447 animals spread over fourteen districts (two districts per country). In addition, we screened for intrinsic (sex, weight, body condition) and extrinsic (husbandry, tick exposure) risk factors as predictors of infections with TBHPs.ResultsThere was a large macro-geographic variation observed in A. marginale, B. bigemina, B. bovis and E. ruminantium prevalences. Most correlated with the co-occurrence of their specific sets of vector-competent ticks. Highest numbers of infected cattle were found in Ghana and Benin, and lowest in Burkina Faso. While T. parva was seldomly found (Uganda only: 3.0%), A. marginale was found in each country with a prevalence of at least 40%. Babesia bovis infected individuals had lower body condition scores. Age (as estimated via body weight) was higher in A. marginale infected cattle, but was negatively correlated with B. bigemina and E. ruminantium prevalences. Ehrlichia ruminantium infection was more often found in males, and A. marginale more often in transhumance farming. High levels of co-infection, especially the combination A. marginale × B. bigemina, were observed in all countries, except for Uganda and Burkina Faso. Babesia bigemina was more or less often observed than expected by chance, when cattle were also co-infected with E. ruminantium or A. marginale, respectively.ConclusionsTick-borne pathogens of cattle are ubiquitous in African’s smallholder cattle production systems. Our standardized study will help a wide range of stakeholders to provide recommendations for TBHP surveillance and prevention in cattle, especially for B. bovis which heavily impacts production and continues its spread over the African continent via the invasive Rhipicephalus microplus tick.Graphical

Pregnancy and spontaneous partial abortion associated with salmonella in a dog

A 2-year mixed breed dog was presented on day 50 after breeding for an emergency condition (greenish brown vulvar discharge and abortion). The patient was underweight (lower body condition score), had nonfetid vulvar discharge, and was negative for Ferguson reflux. Patient had 10 premature fetuses (determined via transabdominal ultrasonography and radiography). Serum progesterone concentration was 1.25 ng/ml. Overnight hospitalization therapies included intravenous fluids, terbutaline, fenbendazole, altrenogest, progesterone, and antibiotics. Based on vaginal discharge culture results (salmonella), antibiotics treatment was altered. Three days later, neutrophilia with left shift and a fetal death were observed. Because cesarean surgery with ovariohysterectomy was declined by the owner, altrenogest and terbutaline treatments were discontinued to permit whelping. Patient was in dystocia after delivering 2 stillborn and 2 live pups. One pup was delivered medically and 1 necrotic pup via cesarean surgery. Intrauterine culture (collected during surgery) was negative. On day 7 postpartum, the patient and 3 remaining pups were healthy. This case demonstrated the difficulties of managing fetal-placental infections.

Administration of GnRH at day 20 of AI and embryonic losses in synchronized crossbred buffalo.

Following the application of different artificial insemination and synchronization protocols, the synchronized buffaloes had a higher incidence of early embryonic or fetal death, thus impairing reproductive performance. Therefore, there is a need to devise a synchronizing program that can improve conception, allow early pregnancy diagnosis, reduce early embryonic losses, and provide an early clue for pregnancy diagnosis and establishment. The present study aimed (1) to determine the effect of administration of different GnRH doses at day 20 of artificial insemination (AI) on the reproductive performance of buffaloes and (2) to observe the influence of synchronization protocol, parity, age, milk production, and body condition score (BCS) on early embryonic loss and progesterone (P4) levels in crossbred buffaloes. Crossbred buffaloes (n = 101) were synchronized using the GPGMH protocol. At day 20 of AI, the synchronized buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups and administrated GnRH doses (0, 100, 150, and 200 μg). The buffaloes were monitored for ovarian dynamics, P4 level, non-return rate, embryonic/fetal losses, and pregnancy rates. The previously synchronized buffaloes were also classified for synchronization protocol (with or without GnRH), parity (nulli- or multiparous), milk production (high or low), BCS (low, medium, or good) or age (>3 or < 3 years) groups for observing the embryonic loss and P4 level variations. The results indicated no difference (P > 0.05) in CL size, P4 level, pregnancy rate and embryo/fetal losses across the treatment groups at different observation periods. There was a high (P < 0.05) incidence of early embryonic mortality in aged, multiparous, low BCS and low milk-producing buffaloes treated without GnRH. The data suggest that GnRH 200 μg at day 20 of AI improves embryo survival and pregnancy maintenance in crossbred buffaloes.

Assessing welfare risks in unowned unsocialised domestic cats in Denmark based on associations with low body condition score

BackgroundPopulations of unowned unsocialised cats are present worldwide. Generally, there is concern about their welfare. Low body condition score (BCS) is a potentially relevant indicator that is relatively easy to assess: emaciated cats are likely to have welfare problems while thin cats may be at risk of becoming emaciated. The objective of this study was to assess the association of low BSC with a selection of factors relating to the host, disease, and infection in unowned unsocialised domestic cats. We necropsied 598 euthanised unowned unsocialised cats from Denmark. We recorded each cat’s age-group, sex, and neuter status, together with its pregnancy status, the season and location of trapping, as well as gross lesions at necropsy. We also tested for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus, recorded presence of ectoparasites, and a subsample of the cats were also tested for endoparasites. Cats with no or sparse adipose deposits were categorised as having low BCS, and logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with low BCS.ResultsOf the cats, 11.4% had low BCS. Season, age-group and sex were associated with low BCS and confounded potential associations with other variables. Intact adult males and females in spring and early summer were at highest risk of low BCS. When these factors were taken into account, cats with biting lice had 2.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–5.4) times higher odds of low BCS, and cats with gastro-intestinal findings (i.e., enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, abdominal hernia, diarrhoea, obstructive foreign bodies, or diaphragmatic hernia) had 50 (95% CI 10–417) times higher odds of low BCS, than cats with no such findings. Cats with low BCS were primarily adult intact cats with tooth lesions and skin lesions, ear mite infection, and positive test result for feline immunodeficiency virus.ConclusionsThe results highlight associations that can be used to define a risk profile: low BCS, notably in summer-autumn, in an unowned unsocialised cat was associated with underlying, less visible problems. Thus, low BCS can be more than a step towards being emaciated; it can also be an indicator of other underlying welfare problems.

A Four-Year Survey of Hemoparasites from Nocturnal Raptors (Strigiformes) Confirms a Relation between Leucocytozoon and Low Hematocrit and Body Condition Scores of Parasitized Birds.

Most hemoparasites hosted by wild birds appear to be harmless, but most of the blood parasite studies in avian wildlife are mainly focused on passerines or migratory species. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of blood parasites in nocturnal raptors (Strigiformes order) and their effect on hematological parameters. A total of 134 blood samples were collected during a four-year period for hematological analysis and hemoparasite detection and quantification by microscopical examination of the samples. Overall, the occurrence of hemoparasites was 35.1%, with Leucocytozoon being the most frequently detected (32.1%), followed by Haemoproteus (11.2%), Trypanosoma and Plasmodium (2.2% each). Among the different bird species, the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) showed the highest blood parasite positivity (94.7%). In barn owls, the positive birds displayed a lower hematocrit measurement and body condition score than the non-parasitized ones (p = 0.007 and p = 0.005, respectively), especially those parasitized by Leucocytozoon. Moreover, the analysis of the magnitude of this association revealed that the presence of hemoparasites is five times more frequent in barn owls with a 2/5 body condition score. Despite the host-parasite coevolution in Strigiformes, our results show a correlation between the presence of hemoparasites and some health parameters, including blood parameters.

Effects of weight loss and feeding specially formulated diets on the body composition, blood metabolite profiles, voluntary physical activity, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of overweight cats.

Feline obesity is a common and preventable disease, posing a myriad of health risks and detriments. Specially formulated diets and restricted feeding may serve as an intervention strategy to promote weight loss and improve feline health. In this study, our objective was to determine the effects of restricted feeding and weight loss on body composition, voluntary physical activity, blood hormones and metabolites, and fecal microbiota of overweight cats. Twenty-two overweight adult spayed female and neutered male cats [body weight (BW) = 5.70 ± 1.0 kg; body condition score (BCS) = 7.68 ± 0.6; age = 4 ± 0.4 yr] were used in a weight loss study. A control diet (OR) was fed during a 4-wk baseline to identify intake needed to maintain BW. After baseline (week 0), cats were allotted to OR or a test diet (FT) and fed to lose ~1.0% BW/wk for 24 wk. At baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 wk after weight loss, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed and blood samples were collected. Voluntary physical activity was measured at weeks 0, 8, 16, and 24. Fecal samples were collected at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. Change from baseline data were analyzed statistically using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P < 0.05 considered significant. Restricted feeding of both diets led to weight and fat mass loss, lower BCS, and lower blood triglyceride and leptin concentrations. Cats fed the FT diet had a greater reduction in blood triglycerides and cholesterol than cats fed the OR diet. Restricted feeding and weight loss reduced fecal short-chain fatty acid, branched-chain fatty acid, phenol, and indole concentrations. Fecal valerate concentrations were affected by diet, with cats fed the OR diet having a greater reduction than those fed the FT diet. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity was not affected, but fecal bacterial beta diversity analysis showed clustering by diet. Restricted feeding and weight loss affected relative abundances of 7 fecal bacterial genera, while dietary intervention affected change from baseline relative abundances of 2 fecal bacterial phyla and 20 fecal bacterial genera. Our data demonstrate that restricted feeding promoted controlled and safe weight and fat loss, reduced blood lipids and leptin concentrations, and shifted fecal metabolites and microbiota. Some changes were also impacted by diet, highlighting the importance of ingredient and nutrient composition in weight loss diets.

Desempenho reprodutivo de ovelhas de pelo em diferentes condições corporais e níveis de alimentação

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the interaction between feeding level (FL) and body condition score (BCS) on the reproductive parameters of Pelibuey hair sheep (Ovis aries). The experimental units (64 ewes) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: low feeding level and low body condition score; high feeding level and low body condition score; low feeding level and high body condition score; and high feeding level and high body condition score. The effect of sheep body condition score was significant on the pregnancy and lambing rates. The effect of feeding level was significant on the ovulation, estrus returning, pregnancy, and prolificacy rates. The interaction effect between BCS and FL was significant on the ovulation, estrus returning, pregnancy, lambing, and prolificacy rates. The reproductive function is more sensitive to the better nutrition effects in sheep with a low body condition score.